Brownlee has been competing in middle and longer distance triathlon races since defending his Olympic title at Rio 2016, but will take to the start line at the fourth stop of the WTS circuit.

“I’m really looking forward racing here in Leeds, I couldn’t miss my home race,” said Brownlee.

“Last year the atmosphere was incredible, and I think it helped get the message out there that the Leeds race is the one more supported by the people of the WTS circuit.

“Racing here for me last year was just magical.

“I just hope that even more people will show up this year and they shout even louder.”

Jonathan Brownlee will join his brother on the start line, with the Briton seeking to step up his efforts to claim the world title.

Spain’s Fernando Alarza will pose a big threat to the British duo, with his compatriots Javier Gomez and defending world champion Mario Mola among the absentees.

The United States’ Kirsten Kasper will be the topped ranked triathlete in the women’s field, with series leader Katie Zaferes of the United States and New Zealand’s Andrea Hewitt missing.

World champion Flora Duffy will seek to close in on her rivals by producing an impressive performance at the first European event of the season.

The Bermudan ended as the runner-up last year in Leeds, when she finished behind the United States’ Gwen Jorgensen.

Duffy claimed victory on her season debut in Yokohama and will hope for similar success in Leeds.

A crowd of 80,000 fans is expected to attend the event, with Non Stanford, Jessica Learmonth and Lucy Hall among the British hopefuls.